Obama, Reid hold 2014 political strategy meeting

WASHINGTON

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) addresses a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, January 16, 2014.

Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama met on Monday with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid to explore ways to try to prevent Republicans from winning control of the Senate from the Democrats in the November elections, a top party aide said.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, also attended the White House meeting along with Guy Cecil, executive director of the committee, said the aide, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Republicans need a net gain of six seats on Election Day to take the Senate, now held by Democrats, 55-45.

Troubled by Obama's low approval ratings, a number of Senate Democrats in tough races have begun to distance themselves from the president in their re-election campaigns.

Obama needs Democrats to have any chance of having any legislative successes this year, such as his push to reduce the gap between rich and poor.

The president plans to hold a reception at the White House on Tuesday with House Democrats and address Senate Democrats at their annual retreat in Washington on Wednesday.

At Monday's meeting, Obama and Reid did not discuss the senator's comments last week opposing the president's push for expanded authority to negotiate trade deals, the party aide said.